8381-R3_ML&P_Hollis_2021-2022_AnnualReport_Text

Hollis Board of Appeals Volunteers Serving the Community Annual Report Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022

Members: Kathy Harriman; Carrie Walker; Bart Sughrue, Chair; Rebecca Bowley, Vice Chair; Nancy Ponzetti, Secretary.

Dear Voters and Taxpayers,

The Hollis Board of Appeals is a five-member Board with Alternate members; all are appointed by the Hollis Select Board. The Board of Appeals’ authority and jurisdiction are limited by Town ordinances and State statutes. The outcome of the Board of Appeals decision has legal implications and the meetings are procedurally quite rigid. The theory and intent of zoning laws are to preserve the character and quality of the community of Hollis by causing all planning and development to adhere to these regulations. These restrictions are, theoretically through enforcement, reducing non-conforming uses to properties to secure their gradual elimination. As strict adherence to these zoning rules occurs, eventually all the properties within that zone should evolve to meet the zoning standards of that zone. The Board of Appeals cannot grant variances in excess of what the Town and State have empowered the Board to grant. As a result, all actions and outcomes are typically very uniform and consistent. The Town’s objective in enacting the Zoning Ordinance initially was to protect ground water, address safety issues, and preserve property values. If an appeal submitted to the Board does not bring the result requested by the applicant there are possible courses of action that may be taken. These include options such as a request to the Select Board for a letter or waiver for “non-action for non-compliance with the ordinance,” an appeal to Superior Court, or a petition to put on a warrant for public vote the ordinance change that will allow the result requested. Local ordinances are enacted by the voters of Hollis at a Town Meeting. The voters have the power and right to change the ordinances when such ordinances become contrary to what the voters want and need. As the nature of our community changes, the people’s needs and desires change relative to their surroundings, and so the ordinances that regulate their property may also need changes.

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